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“It has been a big 6 months for EPSA’s new MEC team. Since launch, our project management and engineering teams, headed by Russell Vallis, delivered and completed a number of existing contracts. They have also been actively involved with new projects and secured a further major order,” writes MEC Manager, John Taylor.

Austal Ship Projects

“We are thrilled to announce the delivery and commissioning of a GL-approved marine powergen package containing four C9 generator sets for Austal. Built, tested and witnessed in the US and UK, these have been supplied for a 72-metre high-speed corvette-sized support vessel that Austal is building at its Western Australia shipyards in Henderson for the Royal Navy of Oman. The first vessel was successfully launched in October after 13-months of construction and fitout, and we are now working on the supply of a second package for a subsequent vessel.

“Our work with Austal on its international business has also seen Caterpillar generator packages installed for vessels destined for both the Caspian Sea and the Middle East. The former is the delivery of four DNV-approved C18 (550 ekW) generator sets custom-built at EPSA’s Kewdale facility, and a C4.4 emergency generator set for an offshore support vessel also being built in Henderson. The latter is for Austal’s Philippines operation, where we are currently in the process of delivering two DNV-approved C18 (350 ekW) generator sets for a dynamic position vessel.

“And that’s not all. In January, we also secured a further order for four DNV-approved 3516C (2525 bkW) propulsion packages and emergency generator sets for another two Cape Class Patrol Boats being constructed by Austal. Delivery is planned for later this year, and is a timely extension of the program of eight existing Cape Class Patrol Boats designed and constructed by Austal and owned by the Australian Border Force.”

Port of Brisbane Dredge

“We are also proud to have now completed the delivery, installation and commissioning of two C280–8 combined propulsion and power gen engines into Singapore for the Port of Brisbane Dredge project. In a significant effort to meet the milestone, the eight-week commissioning period in Singapore’s unrelenting humidity was undertaken by Simon Turner and Miles Taylor, whose work included supervision of the removal and installation of the new units and ancillary equipment as well as the full commissioning and acceptance by the Marine Classification Society. Dredging at the Port of Brisbane has occurred since 1862 and is a vital part of operating a safe and efficient port.”

Echo Yachts

“I am pleased to report that MEC has now delivered the four approved Cat® C32 (940 ekW) and two C18 (550 ekW) generator sets for Echo Yachts, as reported in the last edition of Engine Room. These have now been installed in their 84-metre super yacht project, which is the largest ever super yacht undertaken in Australia and one of the larger trimaran super yacht projects in the world."

For more information on EPSA's national Marine Excellence Centre click here.